§ 12. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made, in the light of the recent constitutional proposals by the Unionist parties, of the likelihood and implications of the Protestant community invoking Her Majesty's Government's declared undertaking not to stand in the way of a decision by the majority in the Province in favour of independence from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingI have made no such assessment I have no evidence to suggest that a sizeable proportion of the people of Northern Ireland would regard independence as a sensible solution to the problems of the Province, now or in the foreseeable future.
§ 15. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his talks with Northern Ireland party leaders concerning the constitional future of the Province.
§ Mr. Tom KingI hope that there can soon be a constructive dialogue, involving all the constitutional political parties, about the future government of Northern Ireland. I therefore welcome the start of exploratory discussions between the unionist leadership and senior officials of my Department.